Living in the ever so sunny state that is Arizona, you can bet that there are two things that I see most people always with: A bottle of water to prevent dehydration, and a nifty pair of shades to block the sun from their eyes; for that matter some high-rated SPF sunscreen is always must-have, too. However, what I have tended to notice is that many people prefer a wide variety of different sunglasses, which offer umpteen amounts of countless and endless accessory possibilities whenever you are getting ready to go out in the sun on a particular day. But when it comes to men’s fashion—and its relationship to sunglasses—boy do I see some really just horrible and heinous combinations! From cheap, plastic glasses, to the always ‘damn bro’ wrap-around sunglasses that really make most men look like they are about to go on a skiing expedition during the middle of July!

For these reasons, and oh’ so many more, I have decided to yap to you about my affinity for vintage shades. There are several ways that vintage shades can help you avoid a fashion ‘faux paw’ these days. And, you don’t have to spend your entire checking account just to get your hands on a sweet pair. This is a lesson that I have learned a long time ago, after losing numerous pairs of costly designer sunglasses, and fretting over them getting scratched, broken or misplaced. Long gone are those woes: Easily replaced by ordering decent quality, ‘knock-off’ vintage shade brands online for pennies on the dollar—when compared to their so-called ‘designer’ counterparts.

If you are a ‘brand whore,’ well you probably will greatly disagree with me. That’s okay, those major mall department stores LOVE to keep taking you to the bank by charging you $200 to get a pair of sunglasses that you more than likely will lose, or break within a year—assuring that you once again head back there for another pair. So go figure.

As for me, a nice pair of vintage sunglasses, as the ones you see pictured to the upper left, always suit my summer attire. And they don’t cost me a fortune. For that matter, I could care less if they get lost; I simply buy another pair for cheap online. And that’s that!